Proverbs 23:18

18 For if thou shouldest keep these things, thou shalt have posterity; and thine hope shall not be removed.

Proverbs 23:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:18

For surely there is an end
Both of the prosperity of the wicked, which is but for a short time; and of the afflictions of the righteous, which are but as it were for a moment; and therefore there is no reason to envy the one, nor to be fretful under the other; the end to a good man will be peace and prosperity for ever: there is a "reward" ^F2, as some render it here, for the righteous, though not of debt, but of grace; upon which account they have ground to expect much here and hereafter; and thine expectation shall not be cut off;
or "hope" ^F3; as an hypocrite's is; for the hope of a saint is well founded upon the person and righteousness of Christ, and is an anchor sure and steadfast; his expectation of grace, and every needful supply of it, while in this life, and of eternal glory and happiness in the world to come, shall not perish; but he shall enjoy what he is hoping, expecting, and waiting for.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (tyrxa) "merces", Pagninnus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; so Ben Melech.
F3 (Ktwqt) "spes tua", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Proverbs 23:18 In-Context

16 and thy lips shall converse with my lips, if they be right.

17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day.

18 For if thou shouldest keep these things, thou shalt have posterity; and thine hope shall not be removed.

19 Hear, son, and be wise, and rightly direct the thoughts of thine heart.

20 Be not a wine-bibber, neither continue long at feasts, and purchases of flesh: